When I was in high school, I often would write songs based on my Scripture reading. The songs weren't praise songs, they were supposed to be indie rock songs; shoegazer-like anthems about the struggles of being a person. Maybe you could call them a bit of 1997-8 emo, but not like what we call emo in 2009. Anyways, I'd throw on my grunge pedal and try to write a droning song. I know this is a silly question but, do you remember that?
I wrote one song about Paul's boasting here in 2 Corinthians, where he writes of being shipwrecked, beaten, and on and on. They make the perfect high school lyrics to speak of struggle. Not much for metaphor or application then, I'm not really sure I looked for how I could boast of You in my weakness. But I'll take that task today.
What are these things that are difficult that I've had to endure for Christ? The difficulty of leading Exodus, my daily concerns for each of our members, the daily frustrations that I can have with myself primarily and others secondarily when we don't change. Those are all emotional concerns. Where are my physical shortcomings? Where have I been shipwrecked, abandoned, thrown in prison?
Look, I know we're living in a world that supports Christianity, so being thrown in prison here in the States for preaching, teaching, or advancing the Kingdom is unlikely. And ships are built much sturdier, let alone my distance from the sea. So shipwreck is unlikely as well.
So my question, without the marks of suffering, am I being bold enough? Am I really speaking the words that You give me to speak? Let me slow down and find the answer to that question today.
In the meantime, thank You. Thank You that I've had such a blessed life. I will not forget to rejoice in that today! Indeed, You are a great God. And I love you for it. Amen.
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